Bwindi National Park - Uganda

“Bwindi” is the word for “impenetrable” in the local dialect. It is the name of a verdant forest to be found on part of the great ridges and escarpment of the East African Albertine Rift Valley. It is a combination of ancient equatorial rainforest and a unique geomorphology of varying altitude.

It is not just a beauty to behold and a challenge to penetrate, but also home to rare primates, birds and other fauna. Half of the world’s only remaining mountain gorillas live here and their presence has made this forest one of the world’s most popular destinations among those who love primates and ‘intact’ nature.

It is difficult to believe the gentleness of these giant cousins as you gaze at each other at close range and go on a journey into the ancient past; back to a time when the primates used to share their habitat with man. The encounter has been described as one of the most exciting and breathtaking adventures that the African jungle has to offer.

The park has 90 other mammal species, including 11 primates, monkey tribes, mangabeys, pottos and night jars. The forest also offers a unique birding opportunity with 23 rare and highly localized Albertine species endemic to this forest alone. You may visit any time of the year although during the rainy season the treks are a tougher challenge.